Funding Awarded for Hill Road Erosion Control Project

The Hill Road Dike south of Fernie will be getting some additional erosion protection after the Province announced it was providing nearly $750,000 in funding through the Community Emergency Fund (CEPF).

The Dike was damaged during flooding in 2013 and has been repaired; however, this project will complete erosion protection in front of the dike. “I’d like to thank the Province and Union of BC Municipalities for supporting this important project,” says Electoral Area A Director Mike Sosnowski. “The RDEK will also be contributing approximately $350,000 to the project from the Electoral Area A Flood Control Service to complete the required work.”

The erosion control project was identified as a priority in the Elk River Priority Flood and Erosion Mitigation Sites Conceptual Design Report that was completed as part of the Elk River Flood Strategy Report. The next step in the project will be to hire an engineer, which is expected to be happen in early 2019.

“When we established the Area A Flood Control Service, our goal was to have funds available so we were ready to act in the event we could secure other funding sources,” explains Director Sosnowski. “This is a wonderful example of how having our own funds in place can help make important projects happen.”

The RDEK also received $24,900 from the CEPF for upgrades to the Regional Emergency Operations Centre.

The CEPF is one of a suite of programs funded by the Province of BC and managed by the Union of BC Municipalities. The $35 million fund is intended to enhance the resiliency of local governments and their residents in responding to emergencies.